[rimaldo]

Lack of viable passing options was the reason for those goals. Casemiro just happened to be on the ball when they occurred.

yeah. this little compilation shows it well. look how many white shirts he has blocking off red ones each time he has the ball. it why literally everyone dominates us, we can’t get out of our own half without booting it away and by some miracle we do, we throw everyone forward and leave ourselves open to runners.

 

[lex talionis]

Again being a Portuguese speaker is only going to help, Brazilians and Portuguese have very similar philosophies, I Can see him getting a new lease but only if his minutes are managed, we need to get Angel Gomes who could play alongside Ugarte or Casemiro Or Mainoo and could even play as one of the 10’s behind the CF. We should be all over bringing Angel back especially on a low transfer or a free.

I hope Amorim can push forward Bruno as well, who for me has underperformed for us over the last 18 or so months. I definitely would love to see Angel Gomes come home. But this thread is about Casemiro and I still see in him, contrary to the opinions of many here, a footballer who can make a substantial contribution to United's performances.

 

[NZT-One]

I hope Amorim can push forward Bruno as well, who for me has underperformed for us over the last 18 or so months. I definitely would love to see Angel Gomes come home. But this thread is about Casemiro and I still see in him, contrary to the opinions of many here, a footballer who can make a substantial contribution to United's performances.

I agree with the overall approach but when there is the slightest chance to see some money for him, there is excuse for jumping on that. The guy is not part of the future of this team and while I also can see him contribute to the present, we have to make sure its sensible. There is no point adjusting gameplans to players weaknesses when they are in essential areas. For me, he isn't able to cover much ground anymore and his pace gets more and more problematic. On the ball abilities sure do not balance those things.

Amorim has half a season to look at him but I really hope that the club is smart enough to be smart when (!!!) the opportunity presents itself.

 

[Woziak]

I hope Amorim can push forward Bruno as well, who for me has underperformed for us over the last 18 or so months. I definitely would love to see Angel Gomes come home. But this thread is about Casemiro and I still see in him, contrary to the opinions of many here, a footballer who can make a substantial contribution to United's performances.

I agree with you on Casemiro, he’s 32 could still have 2 great years in the right system, we have too much youth and need some experience in the team. A three CB system suits him and his passing and ability to score from DM is hugely underrated.

I see our best team being Onana, L Yoro, M De Ligt, L Martinez as a Back 3, Casemiro and Mainoo in Midfield 2, Mazraoui as right wing back, Amad as Left wing back,
Bruno, Mount as dual 10’s and Rashford as the 9!

Amorim going to tell players exactly what they don’t want to hear, he’ll tell Bruno that your defensively a liability as you give the ball away too much when you play as an 8 and your too hot headed, he’ll tell Amad he’s perfect as wing back playing on the right or the left, he’ll love Mazraoui as he’s pure silk and he’ll tell Mount, that he suits his system if he can stay fit.

Marcus will be told the only player who doesn’t have to work back as hard as the whole team in Amorims system is the number 9, he’s 27, can be decisive and has the physicality and pace if he’s not playing with his back to goal but instead running across the line, hunting space with the whole attack built around feeding him.

He won’t trust Rasmus or Zirkzee for this role, they don’t have Rashford touch, pace or ability to finish if he’s on his A game, I genuinely believe Amorim is going to unlock Prime Rashford.

Garnaucho will be sitting on the bench a lot, watch him use Ugarte/Casemiro double pivot in difficult games and any two from Eriksen, Mount, Mainoo, Amad and Bruno in the dual 10’s. If shaw comes back fit he might use him at left wing back or left CB too. There’s going to be loads of shocks with Amorim and he won’t care who he upsets!

 

[harms]

@rimaldo in a rare moment of seriousness made a very good point that Casemiro has done all his best work alongside Ugarte and Eriksen, who are both completely different players but are experienced central midfielders that get the basics right in terms of positioning and tracking runners (for 60ish minutes in Eriksen’s case)

Mainoo is an incredible talent but does all his best work on the ball. He still has a lot to learn about where he needs to be when we’re not in possession. So that could be as big a factor in Casemiro’s struggles last season as any tactical choice by the manager.

Eriksen tracking runners? Even his defensive positioning is... questionable; it's not awful but he's still an attacking midfielder by nature and it shows. But he doesn't track runners, he can barely accelerate nowadays, people simply skip past him without even breaking and he regularly gives up on tracking his men.

I don't want to bash him too much, I actually like the guy but even at his physical peak he was never reliant from defensive standpoint, let alone now. If we have one midfielder that only contributes on the ball, it's Eriksen (and he's pretty useful at that still).

 

[lex talionis]

I agree with you on Casemiro, he’s 32 could still have 2 great years in the right system, we have too much youth and need some experience in the team. A three CB system suits him and his passing and ability to score from DM is hugely underrated.

I see our best team being Onana, L Yoro, M De Ligt, L Martinez as a Back 3, Casemiro and Mainoo in Midfield 2, Mazraoui as right wing back, Amad as Left wing back,
Bruno, Mount as dual 10’s and Rashford as the 9!

Amorim going to tell players exactly what they don’t want to hear, he’ll tell Bruno that your defensively a liability as you give the ball away too much when you play as an 8 and your too hot headed, he’ll tell Amad he’s perfect as wing back playing on the right or the left, he’ll love Mazraoui as he’s pure silk and he’ll tell Mount, that he suits his system if he can stay fit.

Marcus will be told the only player who doesn’t have to work back as hard as the whole team in Amorims system is the number 9, he’s 27, can be decisive and has the physicality and pace if he’s not playing with his back to goal but instead running across the line, hunting space with the whole attack built around feeding him.

He won’t trust Rasmus or Zirkzee for this role, they don’t have Rashford touch, pace or ability to finish if he’s on his A game, I genuinely believe Amorim is going to unlock Prime Rashford.

Garnaucho will be sitting on the bench a lot, watch him use Ugarte/Casemiro double pivot in difficult games and any two from Eriksen, Mount, Mainoo, Amad and Bruno in the dual 10’s. If shaw comes back fit he might use him at left wing back or left CB too. There’s going to be loads of shocks with Amorim and he won’t care who he upsets!

Agreed on all points. We've got a strong enough of a squad to compete for a top four spot now, but the tactics and mentality have to change. I like your back 3 (provided Yoro delivers as advertised), Case and Mainoo, two wingbacks, and your front three, although I wouldn't necessarily slot in Rashford over Hojlund but in the end that may be the right move.

Garnacho's development has stalled whereas we can all see now the quality Amad has.

 

[Ekeke]

Another strong performance before he came off. 7 tackles in 78 mins

 

[Regulus Arcturus Black]

Called it in the Summer when the majority were claiming he was finished, you don’t go from our player of the season to “finished” in the space of one Summer.
He was hung out to dry last season by ETH’s tactics, prime Keano couldn’t have handled those tactics.
This season, (Liverpool aside) he’s been superb again, and now with Ugarte alongside him, it’s no surprise he looks even better still.

 

[Telsim]

Called it in the Summer when the majority were claiming he was finished, you don’t go from our player of the season to “finished” in the space of one Summer.
He was hung out to dry last season by ETH’s tactics, prime Keano couldn’t have handled those tactics.
This season l, Liverpool aside he’s been superb again, and now with Ugarte alongside him, it’s no surprise he looks even better still.

Pretty much what everyone who has a clue was saying. You don't go from the first season he had to last season overnight. Ten Hag's "system" completely exposed his weaknesses and used none of his strengths. Sure, he is long past his prime and is prone to mistakes, but is still a class player that can do a job in a team that has some control.

 

[Lay]

Turns out ETH was just destroying the guy

 

[MyOnlySolskjaer]

His skillset is so hard to replace, will be a tricky summer trying to find someone like him to compliment Ugarte.

 

[pratyush_utd]

Casemiro is a warrior and is far from washed up. He can still contribute in cohesive midfield. ETH system was exposing all of his midfielders and most argued that no midfielder will be able to the job they are being asked to do.

 

[BorisManUtd]

He'll be 33 in few months but if he can be useful player for bit longer, then keep him until 2026 when his contract expires.

 

[V.O.]

Long suspected that he'd look solid again in a system that plays to his strengths and gives him less ground to cover than being the one man midfield in whatever Ten Hag was trying to do.

I think Amorim will love him and Ugarte. Interested to see whether Mainoo ends up being rotated with the other two or maybe being played further forward.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Pretty much what everyone who has a clue was saying. You don't go from the first season he had to last season overnight. Ten Hag's "system" completely exposed his weaknesses and used none of his strengths. Sure, he is long past his prime and is prone to mistakes, but is still a class player that can do a job in a team that has some control.

Called it in the Summer when the majority were claiming he was finished, you don’t go from our player of the season to “finished” in the space of one Summer.
He was hung out to dry last season by ETH’s tactics, prime Keano couldn’t have handled those tactics.
This season, (Liverpool aside) he’s been superb again, and now with Ugarte alongside him, it’s no surprise he looks even better still.

The fact he’s been good this season in every game bar Liverpool (which I agree with) shows that the issue last season wasn’t just ETH’s tactics. I think he’s looked leaner and in better shape this season, which is maybe a factor. I also suspect that Mainoo is not a good partner for him, as he still has a lot to learn about plugging gaps in midfield when we’re not in possession. Hence Casemiro gets less exposed when he’s playing with Eriksen or Ugarte.

 

[Kag]

He isn’t pressing as high, is he?

If Casemiro plays like this more often then it’s a bad advert for Ten Hag.

 

[NotoriousISSY]

He’s not as washed as people suggested, but you really have to sit back and wonder what EtH was doing…

I’m sure Casemiro has taken some measures to perform better than he did last year along with being given a partner in Ugarte, but everything about his performance looks so much better under Ruud than it did under EtH for months and months.

 

[Regulus Arcturus Black]

The fact he’s been good this season in every game bar Liverpool (which I agree with) shows that the issue last season wasn’t just ETH’s tactics. I think he’s looked leaner and in better shape this season, which is maybe a factor. I also suspect that Mainoo is not a good partner for him, as he still has a lot to learn about plugging gaps in midfield when we’re not in possession. Hence Casemiro gets less exposed when he’s playing with Eriksen or Ugarte.

Absolutely

 

[jamesjimmybyrondean]

Been very solid this season. Almost wouldn’t mind him seeing out his contract

 

[Who's Kissing Cameras?]

Good today, clearly still can function as a player.

ETH had this guy looking like a 45 year old chain smoker. Abysmal coaching and a perfect example of how not to use a midfielder.

 

[2mufc0]

Thought he was really good today.

 

[Ekeke]

He’s not as washed as people suggested, but you really have to sit back and wonder what EtH was doing…

I’m sure Casemiro has taken some measures to perform better than he did last year along with being given a partner in Ugarte, but everything about his performance looks so much better under Ruud than it did under EtH for months and months.

I think he needs a player next to him who also likes to battle and win the ball and if Casemiro isnt back in position to snuff out an opposition player then his partner needs to have that instinct too. Thats what you get with the Casemiro and Ugarte partnership

And Mainoo was doing that very well for a player who is 19, but I think Mainoo tried to overcomplicate things a few times each match trying to dribble his way out so often whereas Ugarte has been economical and is happy to play safe passes and let others help him out of pressure at times. Slightly older and more experienced head on his shoulders for Ugarte

 

[Marwood]

Good today, clearly still can function as a player.

ETH had this guy looking like a 45 year old chain smoker. Abysmal coaching and a perfect example of how not to use a midfielder.

No doubt ETH played a part in that but there's no way Casemiro was fully fit last season. He looked awful.

 

[pratyush_utd]

 

[Godfather]

Really looking forward to what he will bring under Amorim. He's still sooo good when on form

 

[Andycoleno9]

All he needed is a partner in that midfield. Erik gave him a task to control whole midfield area which even prime Casemiro couldn't do it.
Under Amorim, he will be even better.

 

[Strats]

Glad he can still put in good performances on a consistent basis.

Was cautiously optimistic when seeing him putting in a few good shifts after the disastrous last season + game against Liverpool during current one. Long may it continue

 

[Ludens the Red]

The fact he’s been good this season in every game bar Liverpool (which I agree with) shows that the issue last season wasn’t just ETH’s tactics. I think he’s looked leaner and in better shape this season, which is maybe a factor. I also suspect that Mainoo is not a good partner for him, as he still has a lot to learn about plugging gaps in midfield when we’re not in possession. Hence Casemiro gets less exposed when he’s playing with Eriksen or Ugarte.

Yeah, a shame really but hopefully Mainoo can learn. Ugarte isn’t as good in the ball as Mainoo but even in these last few games you can see he’s streets ahead in terms of sniffing and sending danger.

 

[Oranges038]

Another decent performance. Hopefully Amorim can find a role that suits him for a while at least, end of the season he should be heading for the door.

 

[Woziak]

Agreed on all points. We've got a strong enough of a squad to compete for a top four spot now, but the tactics and mentality have to change. I like your back 3 (provided Yoro delivers as advertised), Case and Mainoo, two wingbacks, and your front three, although I wouldn't necessarily slot in Rashford over Hojlund but in the end that may be the right move.

Garnacho's development has stalled whereas we can all see now the quality Amad has.

We need a 9 for the next 8 PL matches and then we need the best low cost option from January 1st to share the load, Amorim demands his number 9 is a mobile strong runner across the line, that discounts Zirkzee immediately, Wheatley too young and inexperienced so it’s Marcus or Rasmus Hojlund.

All I’m thinking about right now is that RVN has stabilised the club after a terrible start to the season and we are 4 points off 3rd place with 27 games to go however the next 8 are by far the most critical, we have 2 more in November then 6 in December.

Here’s our run ; Ipswich(A), Everton(H), Arsenal(A), Forrest(H), City(A), Bournemouth(H), Wolves(A), Newcastle(H).

That run is crucial as first game in January is Liverpool(A) Amorim needs to hit the ground running and it’s a difficult 8 Premier League Games, a good start would be 14 to 16 points, a mediocre start would be 10-12 points and a miracle would be 19-20 points, none of these games are easy and even if we are playing an Arsenal and City sides in relative turmoil, their players are currently much better than ours.

We must target 5 wins from the other 6 games and try and get 2 or 3 points from the two away games with City and Arsenal.

If the club has 31-32 points after 19 games and is in and around the top 7-8 in the PL then we can make a real challenge for top 4/5 in the new year with 2 or 3 solid loan or experienced signings in early January but we still need a traditional number 9 as a priority, Kualo Muani on loan, D Wellbeck on a short term deal, we just need a number 9.

I can really see Amorim thinking I need a team for the next 11 to 12 games before the new year where he reviews all the players to see who can fit in his system, Amad today showed why he is perfect either as WB or right sided left footed number 10 like he uses Francesco Trincao to create and playmake.

His first team might have a few surprises as players like ; Yoro, Shaw and Kobbie are probably not ready so I see this type of team ;
3-4-2-1 Formation;
A Onana(GK), N Mazraoui(RCB), M De Ligt, L Martinez(LCB), D Dalot(RWB), Casemiro(CM), M Ugarte(DM), Garnaucho(LWB), Amad(R10), Bruno(L10), M Rashford(CF)

Subs(9) - A Bayinder, V Lindelof, L Shaw,
L Yoro, J Evans, R Hojlund, C Eriksen,
M Mount, J Zirkzee

He’ll be looking for a left wing back, a younger CM and a temporary CF in January window with two potential loan deals and one permanent one and this must have been discussed before Amorim agreed to come?

 

[Bondi77]

Best game for a while.
It will be interesting to see how Ruben uses him.

 

[Telsim]

I don't think he liked Ten Hag very much. Or at all. For good reason as well.

 

[Vault Dweller]

He's been so much better in a functioning and solid midfield. And he looks fitter. Really looking forward to seeing him under Amorim and he looks like he still has a lot to offer, and help the likes of Mainoo in their development.

 

[lex talionis]

We need a 9 for the next 8 PL matches and then we need the best low cost option from January 1st to share the load, Amorim demands his number 9 is a mobile strong runner across the line, that discounts Zirkzee immediately, Wheatley too young and inexperienced so it’s Marcus or Rasmus Hojlund.

All I’m thinking about right now is that RVN has stabilised the club after a terrible start to the season and we are 4 points off 3rd place with 27 games to go however the next 8 are by far the most critical, we have 2 more in November then 6 in December.

Here’s our run ; Ipswich(A), Everton(H), Arsenal(A), Forrest(H), City(A), Bournemouth(H), Wolves(A), Newcastle(H).

That run is crucial as first game in January is Liverpool(A) Amorim needs to hit the ground running and it’s a difficult 8 Premier League Games, a good start would be 14 to 16 points, a mediocre start would be 10-12 points and a miracle would be 19-20 points, none of these games are easy and even if we are playing an Arsenal and City sides in relative turmoil, their players are currently much better than ours.

We must target 5 wins from the other 6 games and try and get 2 or 3 points from the two away games with City and Arsenal.

If the club has 31-32 points after 19 games and is in and around the top 7-8 in the PL then we can make a real challenge for top 4/5 in the new year with 2 or 3 solid loan or experienced signings in early January but we still need a traditional number 9 as a priority, Kualo Muani on loan, D Wellbeck on a short term deal, we just need a number 9.

I can really see Amorim thinking I need a team for the next 11 to 12 games before the new year where he reviews all the players to see who can fit in his system, Amad today showed why he is perfect either as WB or right sided left footed number 10 like he uses Francesco Trincao to create and playmake.

His first team might have a few surprises as players like ; Yoro, Shaw and Kobbie are probably not ready so I see this type of team ;
3-4-2-1 Formation;
A Onana(GK), N Mazraoui(RCB), M De Ligt, L Martinez(LCB), D Dalot(RWB), Casemiro(CM), M Ugarte(DM), Garnaucho(LWB), Amad(R10), Bruno(L10), M Rashford(CF)

Subs(9) - A Bayinder, V Lindelof, L Shaw,
L Yoro, J Evans, R Hojlund, C Eriksen,
M Mount, J Zirkzee

He’ll be looking for a left wing back, a younger CM and a temporary CF in January window with two potential loan deals and one permanent one and this must have been discussed before Amorim agreed to come?

The resurgence of Casemiro and emergence of Ugarte is for me the big takeaway of the Ruud era. There will have to be rotation but these two have established a foundation Amorim can build from.

Our strikers still haven’t found their mojo and I’m concerned now that it’s not tactics that explain that, but Amorim will have two months to find a way to unleash Hojlund and/or Zirkzee before going into the transfer market.

But staying on the topic of Casemiro, it really is remarkable to see him now, now that ETH is gone.

 

[Chief123]

Has Carragher come out and apologised yet for his poor take of “Leave the football before the football leaves you. The football has left him (Casemiro)”?

He’s had to eat humble pie before (about Licha). He’s compiling a bit of a collection of clangers.

 

[Chief123]

The resurgence of Casemiro and emergence of Ugarte is for me the big takeaway of the Ruud era. There will have to be rotation but these two have established a foundation Amorim can build from.

Our strikers still haven’t found their mojo and I’m concerned now that it’s not tactics that explain that, but Amorim will have two months to find a way to unleash Hojlund and/or Zirkzee before going into the transfer market.

But staying on the topic of Casemiro, it really is remarkable to see him now, now that ETH is gone.

As much as it has been a revelation partnership, I think Ruud may have been slightly lucky to stumble upon it considering he didn’t have any other recognised central midfielders in the squad up until the last of his 4 games where Eriksen became available off the bench.
He kind of had no choice but to play the two together.

 

[lex talionis]

As much as it has been a revelation partnership, I think Ruud may have been slightly lucky to stumble upon it considering he didn’t have any other recognised central midfielders in the squad up until the last of his 4 games where Eriksen became available off the bench.
He kind of had no choice but to play the two together.

Lucky perhaps, but the partnership was hiding in plain sight. With Mainoo out, the obvious midfield three was and is Bruno, Casemiro and Ugarte.